"If I thought so, Japhet, even I would throw it off," replied Susannah.
"It certainly is not pleasant that every one should think that you walk out on purpose to be stared at, yet such is the ill-natured construction of the world, and they will never believe otherwise. It is possible, I should think, to dress with equal simplicity and neatness, to avoid gay colours, and yet to dress so as not to excite observation."
"I hardly know what to say, but that you all appear against me, and that sometimes I feel that I am too presumptuous in thus judging for myself."
"I am not against you, Susannah; I know you will do what you think is right, and I shall respect you for that, even if I disagree with you; but I must say, that if my wife were to dress in such a way as to attract the public gaze, I should feel too jealous to approve of it. I do not, therefore, blame Mr Cophagus for inducing his pretty wife to make some alteration in her attire, neither do I blame but I commend her for obeying the wishes of her husband. Her beauty is his, and not common property."
Susannah did not reply; she appeared very thoughtful.
"You disagree with me, Susannah," said I, after a pause; "I am sorry for it."
"I cannot say that I do, Japhet; I have learned a lesson this day, and, in future, I must think more humbly of myself, and be more ruled by the opinions and judgment of others."
Mr and Mrs Cophagus then came in. Cophagus had resumed his medical coat and waistcoat, but not his pantaloons or Hessians: his wife, who had a very good taste in dress, would not allow him. She was in her grey silk gown, but wore a large handsome shawl, which covered all but the skirts; on her head she had a Leghorn bonnet, and certainly looked very pretty. As usual, she was all good-humour and smiles. I told them that we had been walking out, and that Susannah had been much annoyed by the staring of the people.
"Always so," said Cophagus, "never mind—girls like it—feel pleased—and so on."
"You wrong me much, brother Cophagus," replied Susannah, "it pained me exceedingly."